Big news in the NBA Thursday as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Timberwolves have traded point guard Jeff Teague and Treveon Graham to the Atlanta Hawks.
Wojnarowski says the Wolves have gotten guard Allen Crabbe in return.
Atlanta has traded guard Allen Crabbe to Minnesota for PG Jeff Teague and Treveon Graham, league sources tell ESPN. Hawks get a backup for Trae Young.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 16, 2020
Crabbe is being paid $18.5 million this season but is an unrestricted free agent next summer, so the trade not only frees up a roster spot but also takes more money off the books going into the summer of 2020.
With Teague gone, the Wolves could give rookie Jarrett Culver more time to be the primary ball handler, or give that role to Andrew Wiggins, who got off to an explosive start to the season when he was often the primary ball handler when Teague was dealing with an injury.
This could be the first trade for the Wolves with more to come. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Minnesota is in the market for a guard.
Minnesota isn't done making moves after dealing Jeff Teague to Atlanta for Allen Crabbe. The Wolves have been in talks with teams in search for another ball handler, per league sources. They recently went after Pacers PG Aaron Holiday, but those talks went nowhere at the time.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 16, 2020
Minnesota is 10 games under .500 (15-25) but still only 3.5 games out of a playoff spot. They’re back in action Friday against the Indiana Pacers.
